Friends of the Chappaqua Library

The Library is deeply appreciative of the help given to the Library by the Friends. 

Their mission is to encourage, receive, and administer gifts for the benefit of the Chappaqua Public Library. The Friends help to sponsor library programs such as workshops, author talks, and children's programs, as well as fund the purchase of furnishings, technology and DVDs and books for the library's collection.

Memorandum of Understanding

The following will constitute an operating agreement between the Friends of the Chappaqua Library (the Friends) and the Chappaqua Library (the Library). It will stand until and unless it is modified by mutual agreement of the Friends executive board and the Chappaqua Library administration.

The Friends mission is to raise money and public awareness in the community to support the services and programs of the Library. As a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, however, it is a legally distinct entity and is not a part of the Library.

The Library agrees to include the Friends in the long-term planning process to ensure that the Friends are aware of the goals and direction of the Library.

The Library agrees to share with the Friends the Library’s strategic initiatives at the beginning of each fiscal year and discuss with the Friends how their resources and support might help forward these initiatives.

The Library agrees to supply the Friends with an anticipated budget each fiscal year that indicates the anticipated needs for Friends support.

The Library agrees to provide the Friends with staff support to assist them with development of the newsletter, mass mailings, meeting coordination, and Friends promotional materials.

The Library agrees to provide public space to display Friends membership brochures and promotional materials.

The Library agrees to provide the Friends with space in the Library for book storage and sorting, book sales, and office needs.

The Friends agree to publicly support the Library and its policies.

The Friends agree to include a member from the Library’s administration as a non-voting presence at all Friends’ meetings (Library Director) and to allocate time on the agenda for a library report.

The Friends agree to engage in advocacy efforts on behalf of the Library under the guidance of the Library and the Library’s Board of Trustees.

Presented to the Library Board of Trustees on September 11, 2023.